Rumanyika-Karagwe was gazetted as a National Park in 2019. It covers an area of 247 sq km. and is a wild and beautiful area with great opportunities for photographic tourism. It has a temperate climate but with considerable temperature variation depending on elevation. The dry season is from June to October and the remainder of the year there can be rain with some of it very heavy with up to 1,300 mm in the west parts of the Park. However, much of the Park is well drained and so most parts are accessible all year round.

The essential core of the area is quite a deep valley with a slow winding river at its base which breaks up into lakes and swamps. The lower slopes of the valley are a mosaic of tall grass savanna and forested patches and thick bush. The higher slopes of many of the hills have montane forest. The Acacia tall grass woodlands are spacious and attractive and are kept relatively open by managed seasonal fires. 

What can I see in Rumanyika-Karagwe National Park?

There are no extensive game viewing tracks as yet but when established one will be able to enjoy a variety of wildlife such as buffalo, sitatunga, waterbuck, leopard, duiker, monkeys and baboons, elephants and a great variety of birds.

TANAPA is in process of assessing the area to see the existence of chimpanzees and gorillas, and if and when this happens one will be able to enjoy watching these great apes in a very wild setting. 

What can I do in Rumanyika-Karagwe National Park?

• Game driving
• Walking safaris
• Bird watching
• Camping
• Picknicking
• Canoeing
• Sport fishing
• Boat excursion

Where can I stay in Rumanyika-Karagwe National Park?

Currently you can stay in the Park by arranging your own camp. Moves are under way to encourage seasonal camping and permanent camps and lodges. The nearest town with accommodation is Murongo, Kayanga and Bukoba. 

How can I get to Rumanyika-Karagwe National Park?

Air.  There are airports at Chato and Bukoba from which light aircraft can fly to Ibanda-Kyerwa airstrip.

Road.  From Bukoba to Murongo (220 km).

 From Chato to Murongo (327 km).

Road access is possible from Uganda and Rwanda through Kikagati boader to Murongo or from

Rwanda through Rusumo boader via Karagwe to Murongo. 

Safari ideas

Rumanyika Karagwe and Ibanda hang together as a safari destination with Rumanyika Karagwe in process to provide a chimpanzee or gorilla experience and Ibanda offering open savannas with plains game and a chance of leopard as well as hippo and crocodiles in the Kagera River and in lakes.

These two National Parks will also be popular with travelers from Uganda and Rwanda.